CPD provider Improve International has announced a series of one-day courses for vets to develop their knowledge in emerging areas of veterinary medicine.

Karin Mueller will discuss handling and restraint of alpacas, as well as special behavioural, anatomical and physiological features, in her course on 12 July.

The courses are aimed at practitioners dealing with species other than companion animals.

Alpacas, sheep and game birds

The veterinary care of alpacas (12 July): speaker – Karin Mueller. This course outlines the approach to the alpaca, including handling and restraint, and special behavioural, anatomical and physiological features.

Sheep preventative care (9 and 10 August): speaker – Fiona Lovatt. This course helps vets to develop their knowledge of sheep care. It covers the basics of current best practice and flock health planning, including tips and practical examples.

Diseases of game birds (15 and 21 September): speaker – Alan Beynon. This course is aimed at vets who may be required to provide advice on health and welfare issues relating to game birds and focuses on improved management rather than treatment strategies.

Growing relevance

The courses will run at Improve’s headquarters in Swindon. The game bird and sheep courses will also be held in Plymouth. The cost for each course is £299 plus VAT.

David Babington, managing director of Improve, said: “We are already well-known for our companion animal courses, but felt there was an opportunity to develop a series of short courses covering ‘niche’ or emerging areas of practice, which are becoming relevant to a growing number of vets.”